Naivalu relishing Test opportunity

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Cape Town - Melbourne Rebels wing Sefa Naivalu is keen to showcase his skills at Test level after he was named in Australia's Rugby Championship squad for their away matches against South Africa and Argentina.

Naivalu revealed that the lure of Wallabies eligibility has been the light at the end of the tunnel for him.

He became eligible on September 18 and has a chance to debut in Pretoria on October 2, after three years at the Rebels.

The 24-year-old said the motivation of a potential Wallabies shot was something that had driven him from day one in Australia.

“I think hard work is paying off,” Naivalu told the Australian Rugby Union's official website.

“In order to get through those tough times, tough days there's (got to be) something ahead of you, a good thing ahead of you, (the thought that) you'll get this opportunity.”

Naivalu has been on the fringes of the squad since June and said he was thrilled to finally be in the main group.

“I’m over the moon,” he added.

“It’s an amazing thing. I’ve been looking forward to becoming an Aussie.

“I didn't imagine that (this would happen) but it was part of my dreams to play for the Wallabies and now I've been given this opportunity to tour South Africa and London.”

If he does get the call up Naivalu is confident there’s one area he’ll certainly be ready for - the Australian national anthem.

“The last two years, I’ve been watching and listening to all the lyrics and stuff.”

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